It wasn't just Didi Benami's version of "Rhiannon" that asked the titular question -- it was us too, responding to the realization that we have two months of competition left before an inevitable winner is chosen from these three ladies: Will you ever win, Didi, Siobhan, or Crystal? We rank last night's eight razzle-dazzling girls from bottom to top, after the jump.
8. Katie Stevens: "Breakaway"
Katie Stevens's winning streak of... having nicely combed hair is about to come to an uncombed end. Her take on the Kelly Clarkson hit was so flat that I wouldn't even allow it to grace the From Justin to Kelly soundtrack. Katie needed an original rendition to elevate her into possible Top 12 contention, but that's not what we got. Farewell, please!
7. Paige Miles: "Smile"
Paige was ignored by Idol's fickle cameras prior to her Top 24 placement, and that's still a hurdle for the young talent. Her performances have been serviceable, but never standout. This version of the Chaplin Chaplin-penned "Smile," which was famously played at Michael Jackson's hyperdome funeral, was like a funeral itself -- but a plebeian one in a parlor with bad siding. That's the wrong kind of tribute, Pa-Mi. See, you can't even do fun tricks with her name. (YouTube opted not to post this clip, so... that reflects the world's feeling about her chances.)
6. Lacey Brown "The Story"
Sixth place seems like a low finish for what was ultimately a life-saving performance, but the effort may have just come too late. Lacey sat on the edge of the stage, gave us that maybe-she's-56 wink, and warbled with flair through the spunky ballad. Her self-confidence may have momentary returned, but I don't think her chances followed suit.
5. Katelyn Epperly "I Feel the Earth Move
The kickoff track from Carole King's "Tapestry" is timeless, urgent, and powerful... when coming out of the mouth of Carole King. Coming from Katelyn Epperly, it was pure retread with a slightly danceable edge. I appreciated the '80s Carole 'do Katelyn sported (which Randy also noted), but I did not love the performance. I wouldn't declare "It's too late" yet (heh-haw!), but Katelyn has ground to make up if she's going to steal the title from any of the next four women.
4. Lilly Scott "I Fall to Pieces"
The pearly-coiffed punk actually sounds a lot like Ashlee Simpson, I'd hate to say. But her performance this week of Patsy Cline's jam seemed leagues better than her much-overhyped performance of "A Change is Gonna Come" from Top 20 week. The three chicks who bested her remain quirkier and a tad more consistent, and for that I fear for her future on the show. Still, she's a Top 12 shoo-in.
3. Didi Benami "Rhiannon"
She may not pack the sizzle of Crystal Bowersox or the space cadet whimsicality of Siobhan Magnus, but Didi Benami is just as compelling a performer, and definitely the most "vulnerable." Her version of the Fleetwood Mac classic was original, evocative, and intimate, and I'd buy it. In fact, I think she's the most marketable artist of the troop: a bleating singer-songwriter who reaches beyond the fairytale nonsense of Taylor Swift.
2. Siobhan Magnus "House of the Rising Sun"
And now for your moment of unbridled idiocy: Simon Cowell declared that Siobhan "did nothing" with the ancient Animals classic, and that means Simon Cowell has never heard this song before. Except that's not true! Janell Wheeler performed it a month ago! Siobhan completely overhauled the original version of this tune with a soulful, tuneful, impassioned trill. Also: I could've killed DioGuardi when she rescinded her earlier compliments after Simon's tirade by saying, "Thing is, I just don't know what kind of artist she is!" Kara, I don't know what kind of member of the animal kingdom you are sometimes. Sometimes I vote pufferfish.
1. Crystal Bowersox "Give Me One Reason"
My initial reaction to this performance was "Oh my God, lesbian rock is perfect for this chick." Then I realized Crystal's bluesy supremacy goes beyond that -- she's an unpretentious, fully realized performer who will surely drive a fast car to the Top 12, and maybe the Top 2. I can't wait to see her evolve, and I think the oeuvre of Me'Shell Ndegeocello should be hers to slay.